Protective mask.



No. 7'61,257 PATENTED MAY 31, 1904..

H. B. SOHUTT. PROTECTIVE MASK.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 4, 1903.

N0 MODEL.

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Patented May 31, 1904.

UNITED STATES PATENT I OFFICE.

HINRICH B. SOHUTT, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

PROTECTIVE MASK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 761,257, dated May 31, 1904.

Application filed June 4, 1903'. Serial No. 160.0 N0 model.)

T0 (11 whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, HINRICH B. Sonn'r'r, a

' citizen of the Uniteol'States, and a resident of Brooklyn, county of Kings, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Protective Masks, of Which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part thereof, in which similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

. This invention relates to protective masks of the class adapted especially for service in games of base-ball by men behindthe bat, as catchers and umpires, the objects of the invention being to provide an article of this character which is susceptible of being quickly thrown in' and out of use without the necessity of using the hands and which is simple and durable in construction, comfortable, and readily adjustable to fit faces of Various proportions.

The invention will be hereinafter fully described, and specifically set forth in the annexed claims. 7

In the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved mask, showing the same in position to be worn as a protective covering for the face; and Fig. 2 is a front elevation showing the device adjusted to the head of a wearer and in position out of use as a protective covering for the face.

In the practice of my invention; the mask proper embodies a wire network of ordinary construction, as A, having the side extension A A and pads B B for direct contact with the face. each upright part a of the main frame a, is secured a sheet-metal strap C. Connection between the said strap and upright 'is maintained by means of the loop 0, forming an integral part of the strap and the bolt D and collar D, which is securely held on the bolt by means of the key cl, which passes through the bolts outer end, whereby the loop is slidable and rotatable on the part a of the frame a, so that the mask is movable up and down and is allowed necessary lateral play, but at the same time is in secure connection with the strap to prevent accidental disengagement To the sides of the mask, around therefrom. The end of the strap 0 remote from the loop 0 is provided with a series of apertures c, which register with similar apf ertures e of a sheet-metal extension E, which is connectedto the strap C by means of the bolt F, collar F. and key f, which prevents said collar from accidentally disengaging itself from the bolt, while at the same time it can be readily removed when it is desired to alter the relative arrangement of the strap C and its extension E. The end of the extension E remote from the part connected to the strap 0 is pivotally attached to a stud g, forming part*of a metallic bracket G, which is fastened to the band H of a cap H, the said extension E being in non-removable connection with its pivot or stud g by means of a fixed head 9. v V i The cap or head-covering H embodies the band H and crown H which is preferably composed of fabric, and the band comprises, preferably, an outer coating h, composed of leather, and an inner ring it, of sheet metal, whereby the cap is both durable and flexible. Fixed to the band H is a metallic guard I, comprising wire arms c' 2', extending downwardly from a twisted central part I and secured at their lower ends to the band H. This guard is located over and out of contact with the crown H of the cap, whereby when the mask is thrown upwardly it contacts directly with said guard, which bears the impact thereof to protect the head of the wearer.

In the operation and use of the invention the capis securely adjusted to the head, with the mask resting on the face in relative arrangement approximately shown by Fig. 1 of the drawings, when the player is in required position for catching a line ball; but when it is desired to catch a fly, which requires him to look upwardly, instead of throwing oil". his mask (as is customary when ordinary masks are used) he simply throws the head quickly backward, which action automatically throws the mask out of connection with his face and allows it to drop on the guard I, where it can be retained as long as desired. When it is desired to again bring the mask into play, it is simply necessary to incline the head and allow the mask to drop into position by gravity,

whereby the player can at all times have free use of his hands and his mask is maintained in constant position for instant use.

I do not confine myself to the specific details of mere mechanical construction nor proportions of the parts as herein shown and described, as it is obvious that under the scope of my invention Iam entitled to slight structural variations.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. As a protective device for ball-players, the combination with a face-mask, of a headcovering and flexible strap connections between the mask and head-covering, whereby the mask may be swung over the head-covering, substantially as shown and described.

2. As a protective device for ball-players, the combination with a cap havinga stiffened band for encircling the head, of a face-mask,

and pivotal strap connections between the mask and cap-band, whereby the mask may be alternately maintained in connection over the face and over the head of a wearer, substantially as shown and described.

3. As a protective device for ball-players, the combination with the head-covering comprising a band and crown, of the wire mask,

and adjustable and pivotal connections between the said band and mask, whereby the mask may be swung upwardly out of use, substantially as shown and described.

4. As a protective device for ball-players, the combination with the head-covering comprising a band, crown and guard, of the wire mask, and adjustable and jointed connections between the said band and mask, whereby the latter may be swung upwardly on the said guard, substantially as shown and described.

5. As a protective device, for the face and head, the combination with the head-covering embodying the band, crown and wire guard, and the face-mask, of the jointed coupling detachably connecting the head-covering and face-mask, substantially as shown and described.

6. As a protective device, for the face and head, the combination with the cap,'having the guard fixed above the crown thereof, of the pivoted coupling embodying the adjustable parts G and D and means for connecting them, said part 0 having a looped end engaging the framework of a mask, and means for fastening said loop in removable connection with the mask, and said part E pivoted to the cap, substantially as shown and described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I have signed my name, in presence of two witnesses, this 27th day of May, 1903.

HINRIOH B. SCHUTT. Witnesses:

PATIENCE P. ScHU'rT, BELLE PATTERSON. 

